Pagina 434 de 1118

The host, who did not expect to hear him utter one connected

idea, and who knew from experience how prone men in his situation

were to sudden changes of feeling, wishing to profit by this

lucid interval, made another attempt. "My dear fellow," said he,

in a tone of persuasion, "I have not intended to vex you, nor to

pry into your affairs. What would you have had me do? There is a

law, and if we innkeepers do not obey it, we shall be the first

to be punished; therefore it is better to conform. And after all,

as regards yourself, what is it? A hard thing, indeed! just to

say two words. It is not for them, but to do me a favour. Now,

here, between ourselves, tell me your name, and then you shall go

to bed in peace."

"Ah, rascal! knave!" cried Renzo, "do you dare to bring up this

cursed name and surname and business again?"

"Hush! you fool! and go to bed," said the host.